Brienne-le-Château was centre of the medieval County of Brienne, whose lords, counts and dukes had a claim to the Kingdom of Jerusalem which never materialized,
though many claimed the title. The École de Brienne was established in 1730 and remained active until it was closed in 1790. It is currently a museum.
Notable students included Napoleon Bonaparte (1779 to 1784).

The is the Hotel de Ville, or town hall.